Help me give my children the best--
not of trappings or toys, but of myself, cherishing them
on good days and bad, theirs and mine.

Teach me to accept them for who
they are, not for what they do; to listen to what they say
if only so they will listen to me; to encourage their goals,
not mine; and please, let me laugh with them and be silly.

May I give them the courage to
be themselves; the independence to take care of themselves
and the faith to believe in a power much greater than their own.

See that I discipline my children
without demeaning them, demand good manners without forgetting
my own and let them know they have limitless love, no matter
what they do.

Let me feed them properly, clothe
them adequately and have enough to give them small allowences -
not for the work they do but the pleasure they bring - and let
me be moderate in all these things, so the joy of getting will
help them discover the joy of giving.

See that their responsibilities are
real but not burdensome, that my expectations are high but not
to overwelming and that my thanks and praise are thoughtful and
given when they're due.

Help me teach them that excellence
is work's real reward, and not the glory it brings. But when it
comes - and it will - let me revel in each honor, however small,
without once pretending that it's mine; my children are glories
enough.
Above all, let me ground these children so well that I can dare
to let them go.
And may they be so blessed.